Our Values

1. Action-Focused

Good ideas are not enough! We are passionate about using knowledge to create real-world change.

2. Holistic

We see the bigger picture and look at the whole person. In all aspects of work, we are committed to a holistic approach We have a ‘whole person approach. So we consider our work with Change-Makers in regards to their full identity, beliefs and life, not just in regards to the job they do. We consider the individual’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being when considering well-being. Our work is informed by a reflection upon the whole of society. We recognise that each individual and organisation cannot be considered without understanding relationships with others. When exploring issues, we are critically reflective upon these complex relationships and the possibility of power and inequality between individuals and within systems. We are a collaborative organisation. To create real-world change, we believe in the importance of considering the ‘whole system’. we try to engage all actors involved in making change. bridging disciplinary, sectoral, geographic and cultural boundaries. We believe that a more comprehensive holistic approach will help us learn more and widen our impact.

3. Inclusive

Ladders4Action is committed to principles of social justice and equality. Our ‘inclusive’ core value, highlights that we believe that ‘all Change-Makers’ should be respected equally, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality or any other identity characteristic. We regard all Change-Makers as equal partners, respecting every individual’s ability to make a valuable contribution in creating change. In our work, we endeavour to ensure that we avoid images and symbolism which perpetuate any form of inequality or which may be regarded as discriminatory, derogatory or stereotypical.

4. Ethical

Social responsibility – Ladders4Action is a non-profit organisation. As a point of principle, we have chosen not to seek profit from making change. In delivering training, research and consultancy charge some in order to subside others. Unlike profit-making companies, those who pay can know that their financial contributions are helping others Social and Environmental Sustainability – As an organisation, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, where ever possible. We are a paperless office, and encourage our staff to cycle and use public transport. We endeavour to buy ethical and fair trade products for our company. We hire training spaces from other charities and ethical businesses. When we fly, we make donations to environmental organisations. We have also chosen ethical banking. Ethical research = As an organisation involved in research We believe that all forms of knowledge generation should be ethical. Research should not result in a detrimental impact upon any individual involved and research should not be biased towards the views of the powerful. It is noted that whilst we respect academic expertise in knowledge creation, we also respect the expertise acquired through experience and the ability of all people to contribute towards the creation of knowledge.

5. Accountable

Accountability can be defined as how you ‘ensure and demonstrate responsible action’ At Ladders4Action we take a considered and professional approach to accountability. We utilise our action research approach, not only to produce evidence for accountable action but to ensure we are continually reflecting and considering our actions. Ladders4Action considers that it owes accountability to all it engages. We take a holistic view of accountability. As seen on ‘our accountability’ page we consider that we not only owe accountability to those who fund us but that we should also be accountable to our values, staff and the communities we work with, (among others). We acknowledge that different stakeholders may have different concepts of responsible action. As an organisation, we are committed to all our values. We wish to be sensitive and respectful to all regardless of whether they share our values or not. However, as an organisation, we will not compromise our values, such as our commitment to being inclusive, in our work. Instead, we will always be open and honest regarding our beliefs and values.

6. Creative

We are a creative and dynamic organisation committed to finding innovative and powerful means to working with Change-Makers. Creativity is essential for ensuring effective communication of knowledge and successful action. We encourage partnership with creative Change-Makers in all our work, research and projects. Ladders4Action is an organisation that is not afraid of innovation and creative change.

7. Passionate

We are motivated by our passion and the passion of Change-Makers across the globe, to create real-world change. Change-Makers often undertake extremely complex and challenging work. Often to the detriment of themselves and without thanks. As a result, we are committed to nurturing and protecting the passion of Change-Makers, we wish to inspire and re-ignite the passion in others. At Ladders4Action we recognise inequality can manifest itself in a lack of qualification, education or experience. As such we will value passion and potential, above all else, in our staff and those we engage.